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  His hands are capable as he throws the vehicle into reverse and pulls out of the parking space that he’s parked sideways in. He gives me a slight grin when I raise my eyebrows. “Madison,” is all he says and it does, kind of, explain the parking job. What the heck was she thinking by telling him I was with a client? The sad truth is that I would have been if she sent me. Not in my motel room, though.

  We roll onto Van Buren without checking out of the motel or trying to get the three days I paid for the room back. I mention it to Alex and he tells me not to worry about it. Somehow I’ve gone from paid escort to kept woman, or at least I think that’s what this is. Not that he’ll keep me for long, I’m sure. I’m in no position to argue about money with him. If I’m going to be kept, Alex is the only man on the list right now that I’d choose. He’s also the man who has promised to get Kiley for me.

  We travel about two miles in rush hour traffic and I start to ask him a question. He cuts me off. “Have you had a tail?” he demands abruptly.

  For the dumbest reason, a cat comes to mind and I almost say that.

  “Someone following you?” he explains. I notice him looking back and forth between the rearview and side mirrors.

  My heart races. “No. Not that I’m aware of.”

  He pushes a button on the steering wheel and a voice comes through the speakers. “Yea, boss?”

  “I’ve got a tail. I’m heading east on Van Buren and will jump on I-10 in a few. I’ll take the interchange at the 202 and loop around the long way. Get two cars on me and tag this guy. I want him alive.”

  I’m listening with half an ear because I can see out of my side mirror that a large motorcycle is behind us. He’s staying back a few cars but changes lanes when Alex does. If he’s been following me, I had no idea. This means the Crows know where I’ve been and the thought sends chills down my spine. It never occurred to me that they would send someone to watch me. The threat of killing my parents if I went to Child Services or the police put the fear of God into me. There’s no way I would risk my parents or Kiley.

  Alex doesn’t speed and the quick glance he gives me is filled with reassurance. “No worries. My guys will stop him. These windows are bulletproof.” My expression must be horrified, and his smile grows. “My world, Celina. You’re in it now.”

  I lean my head back and close my eyes. I guess this answers my thoughts about him killing someone. I didn’t miss when he told whoever answered his call that he wanted this guy alive. I never wanted this world and have no idea why my brother did. I would have sworn I’d never understand it. Now, I’m not so sure. If bad guys need to die to get my niece back, it’s something I think I can live with. Like Alex said, I’m in his world and it’s time to ride or get off the pony.

  I could jump out of the vehicle at a stoplight and hope to flag down a cop if I really wanted to. Or I can cast my lot with a bunch of criminals who are willing to take on another bunch of criminals and save my niece. Mak and Alex aren’t the bad guys in my mind. Maybe I’m simplifying things, but a crop of curly red hair and large blue eyes makes it easy. If Alex told his men to kill the guy behind us, I don’t think I’d feel differently. If I were armed and knew how to use a gun, I would have killed Fox and his entire gang and taken my niece when I first went to the clubhouse. Or at least that’s been my fantasy.

  I mentally crumble my innocence and cast it aside. There’s no place for it in this world. I have no idea where this momma bear instinct is coming from and it doesn’t matter. One way or another, my niece is getting out of there. Not for one second do I trust Fox. All I had before Alex was a wing and a prayer that my body wouldn’t be left out in the desert after I delivered the cash to Fox. Now I have a greater chance and I’ll be damned if I judge anyone willing to help me.

  We pull onto the I-10. Traffic is almost bumper to bumper. It takes twenty minutes before we intersect with the 202.

  “My men are on us and this guy is toast. Stop worrying.”

  I glance at Alex and without thinking, rest my hand on his thigh. “I wasn’t worried,” I say. It’s the truth. I’m willing to let Alex take over and do his crime thing.

  I get a flash of teeth, and for just a moment his large, rough hand settles on mine and he squeezes slightly. Then his fingers are back on the steering wheel and he’s all business.

  We pull off the 202 and Alex guides the SUV into an industrial area that I’m unfamiliar with. He picks up a bit of speed and out of the side mirror I see two black vehicles behind the guy on the motorcycle. We’re approaching a canal bridge when Alex makes a hard left. The bike swings wide but follows. The other two vehicles make the same left, and then one guns it, switches lanes, and blasts around the bike. The other vehicle tags the back end of the bike and it careens off the road. It happens in a blink. Alex continues driving like nothing went down.

  I’m glued to the side mirror. The biker took quite a tumble and he wasn’t wearing a helmet. I always hated the no helmet law in Arizona, but right now, I couldn’t care less. Alex’s phone rings into the speakers.

  “Got him and he’s alive,” is all the man on the other end says after Alex hits the steering wheel button again.

  “Take him to the warehouse and keep him alive until I get there. It could be a few hours. Have someone collect the bike and take it to the warehouse too.”

  “Consider it done.”

  That was it. So simple. I am truly in Alex’s world now.

  Chapter Twelve

  Celina

  THE LARGE IRON GATES open slowly and we drive through. The house is actually a two-story sprawling mansion with white adobe walls. A huge fountain takes up the area about twenty feet from the front door. The water cascades into a round pool bigger than my last apartment. The sun is still shining, but the color of the sky is changing. This signals the beginning of a three-hour change from daylight to darkness in the desert. The sun will completely set by nine. The temperature will only take a marginal drop.

  Alex parks on the circular drive between the fountain and house. It’s a Spanish-style monstrosity. I’ve only ever seen pictures of homes like this in magazines. It’s difficult to remember to keep my mouth closed. I’m surprised when Alex clasps his warm hand around my fingers and squeezes.

  The front door opens and Mak exits with Moon at her back. She places her hand out to me after walking down the steps. Alex doesn’t release my right hand, so I offer my left. Mak’s eyes sparkle, and it’s obvious she notices Alex’s grasp.

  “You found her,” she says and gives my fingers a squeeze.

  “Yes. I did… Alone,” Alex snaps back.

  I glance at Moon and this time, I take a really good look. He’s a little taller than Alex and almost as good looking. Mak’s laugh turns my attention to her.

  “I owed you one,” she says with a huge grin. “Let’s get inside where it’s cool. Gabriella has dinner ready and she’s grumbling because I made her wait to serve.”

  “I don’t have time for dinner right now. There’s business to attend to first.”

  Mak releases my hand and walks slightly in front of us with Moon at her side. She looks over her shoulder at Alex. “I know exactly what kind of business you have. You can explain to Gabriella why you aren’t eating with us again. I believe you’ve missed the last two dinners. You’re on her bad list right now, and I’m tired of making criminal activity excuses for you.”

  Alex grumbles under his breath, and Moon places his arm around Mak’s waist as he opens the door. She steps through and he releases her as he holds the door for all of us. After my first five steps inside, I’m too mind-boggled to pay attention to the men behind us.

  “Ostentatious, isn’t it?” Mak asks.

  “Beautiful,” is all I can say in reply. I’m in awe of the Spanish tiled floors, the large front room, incredible décor, and the massive staircase.

  “Normally, I would let you get settled in your room first, but Gabriella is a handful as it is. She made tamales,” she says as she casts repro
achful eyes over her shoulder at Alex. “His favorite,” she continues.

  Alex rolls his eyes and I can’t help smiling. He seems relaxed even though what’s in store after he leaves here isn’t good. I can’t help wondering if his world is why he carries such intense sadness.

  Mak leads us past the front room and down a large hall before we enter a formal dining room. I can’t imagine being this rich. There are four table settings. Alex hangs back at the door and I shuffle a bit to the side to stay close to him. He kisses my cheek. “Madison will get you settled after you eat. I should be back within a few hours. Relax and get some rest. If you’re asleep, I’ll wake you.”

  Madison stops a few feet from us and joins the conversation. “I have the room made up next to ours. She’ll be comfortable.”

  “She’ll be staying in my apartment. I’ll have her bags delivered there.”

  An irritated sigh escapes Mak. “It would be helpful if you would relay this information before Gabriella does the extra work.”

  Alex pulls me close and whispers, “Ignore her, she’s pulling my chain.” I don’t have time to respond because he kisses me. On the lips. In front of Moon and his wife. I’m mortified, but too overwhelmed by the kiss to do more than return it. The man has wonderful lips and he knows how to use them.

  An angry half-growl comes from the hallway. A middle-aged woman holding a large covered platter is standing there giving me a very unfriendly look. Her hair is pulled back in a tight bun. She’s shorter than me by about three inches. Her dress is a plain lime green with a white apron tied around her waist. Her shoes are serviceable and something I’ve seen nurses wear.

  “My pardon,” Alex says as he pulls me from the entrance of the room. “Gabriella, this is my friend Celina. She’ll be staying with us as my guest.”

  “Señorita,” Gabriella replies with vengeful eyes.

  Alex ignores her obvious dislike of me. “I have business to attend, but I’ll take a tamale to go and eat dinner after I return.”

  Gabriella turns her wrath on Alex and gives him a blast of unhappy Spanish. Alex releases me and takes the tray from Gabriella, though she tries to stop him. He sets it on the sideboard, turns back, and takes Gabriella into his arms. “You love me, corazón.”

  Gabriella blushes and pushes him away while mumbling in Spanish. Alex turns and grabs a cloth napkin. He lifts the cover from the tamales, takes one, and folds it inside the napkin. He winks at me and walks out of the room. Moon has seated Mak and pulls out the chair across from her for me. He waits patiently while I decide if this is a good time to run.

  Gabriella clears her throat and because I’m afraid of her, I walk over and take the offered seat. I’m still dressed in my white shorts and blouse—completely out of place in these surroundings. Mak is in a loose, flowy pair of red cotton pants and a striped white and red tunic-style top. They are not as formal as the clothes she wore earlier today, but they are classy. I, on the other hand, look like a discount store shopping reject.

  Moon walks over to the sideboard, lifts the tray of tamales, and carries it to the table. I have no idea what to do, so I just sit while he takes the seat at the head of the table. Gabriella returns shortly with another tray covered in fresh vegetables—chopped tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and small colorful chopped peppers. The smell of tamales reminds me how hungry I am.

  “Thank you, Gabriella. Why don’t you join us?” Strangely, Mak’s lips quirk when she asks. After another string of Spanish from Gabriella, I understand why.

  “Would you care for wine?” Moon asks after Gabriella marches from the room muttering.

  “Yes, wine please,” I tell him. I actually need something stronger, like a gallon of moonshine, maybe.

  Mak, who’s now smiling full out, tries to reassure me. “Gabriella is that way with everyone she meets. Don’t let her get to you. She has a heart of gold and is very loyal. She also cooks the best food I’ve ever tasted. Help yourself. We don’t stand on ceremony, even when forced to eat in the dining room. It’s an argument I’ve yet to win with Gabriella.”

  “She really didn’t like me.”

  “Well, she defended you to Gomez and told him not to mark up your lovely skin and turn you into a tramp. Or at least that’s what I think that word means.”

  My hand immediately covers my neck and upper chest in mortification.

  “Madison,” Moon says sternly.

  “Well, I think Gabriella has a point. The whole ‘me alpha male’ thing goes a little overboard around here. I’m surprised you men don’t lift your legs regularly and mark your territory. At least it could be cleaned up right away and not take a week for the marks to fade.”

  Maybe if I crawl under the table this will stop.

  Moon looks at my red face and his expression softens. “My wife says what she thinks. It’s a curse of the women in my home. You are our guest. Please drink some wine, eat, and relax.” The very corner of his lips tip into an almost smile and I rethink which man is hotter. Moon’s not-quite-smile is sexy as hell. I take a sip of wine to try to keep my pink face from going bright red over my thoughts.

  “We will find your niece and bring her to you. The waiting is the hardest, but we do not want her endangered when we take her. My wife believes these things can be done quickly. The safety of your niece is the priority.” He turns to Mak and arches his eyebrows.

  “I know you’re right, I just don’t need to like it,” she grumbles. Her eyes meet mine. “Tell us about yourself. Gomez mentioned you attended State College?”

  I’ve figured out that Gomez is Alex. The fact that I’ve done very intimate things with a man without knowing his last name makes my cheeks burn brighter. The only way I can get myself out of this is to start talking. Moon and Mak ask questions. They are non-invasive and light. I feel myself relax after the second glass of wine. The tamales are out of this world and I mean totally out of this world. I would keep Gabriella around, bad attitude and all, just for the tamales.

  When dinner is over, Mak shows me to Alex’s apartment after giving me a quick tour of the house. Alex’s rooms are located off an entrance from a changing and shower area that leads outside to the pool. She asks if I want to swim, but I turn her down. I need a shower and a bed. My head is spinning slightly and exhaustion doesn’t come close to describing how overwhelmed I am.

  My bags are inside Alex’s door. Mak points down the short hallway. “His bedroom is through there and the guest room on the other side. Sleep where you feel comfortable. Do you need me to stay here with you until Gomez returns?”

  I shake my head. “No, thank you. I’ll take a shower and rest if I can.”

  Mak flushes slightly and for the first time since I met her, she appears nervous. “Was Gomez angry when he got to your motel room?”

  With everything going on, I’d forgotten about Alex busting into the room. “He was furious. Why on earth would you tell him I was with a client?”

  A devious smile settles over her face. “These men are at the top of the food chain. They’re stubborn to the point of giving me near homicidal tendencies. If you demand something, they’ll do the opposite. If you call them on something, they dig in their heels. I’ve learned to navigate shark-infested waters with finesse. If you’re smart, you’ll do the same. If not, Gomez will eat you alive. I’m giving you a heads-up because you’re a strong woman or you wouldn’t be here.”

  So many feelings run through me. “I don’t think I’m as strong as you believe. I’m actually a wreck.”

  Mak places her hand on the doorknob. “Given the quick decisions you made and the fact you didn’t curl up into a ball shows how strong you are. I told you I was a cop. It defined who I was for a long time. I had to make some hard decisions and now I’m married to a wonderful man who does bad things. I do them too. I look the other way sometimes and participate others. This is my life now and there’s no going back. Gomez is also a good man and he’s lethal. He’ll protect those he cares for without question.”

&n
bsp; I cringe at the word “lethal” and Mak catches it.

  Her voice hardens and I see the Mak who wore a gun and badge reflected in her eyes. “Don’t mistake what’s needed to get your niece back. You know the DC weren’t going to hand her over. That’s not the way they operate, and a child her age will fetch more than a quarter mill on the market. Anyone who would sell a child deserves what they get.”

  She’s right. “I know.”

  “Keep your spine straight and you’ll get through this and so will your niece.” Mak turns the knob and leaves me alone.

  I look around and regret that Alex isn’t here with me. I quickly explore the apartment. Two bedrooms, three bathrooms—excess anyone?—an amazing kitchen, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system in the living area. I place my bag in the guest bedroom and use that bathroom to take a shower. Afterward, I put on an old T-shirt. I don’t even care that it’s not sexy. It’s soft and comfortable and exactly what I need to relax enough to sleep. I picture the sadness buried deep in Alex’s eyes and wonder what he’s doing right now even though it’s best that I truly don’t know.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Alex

  I PARK THE SUV INSIDE the warehouse beside one of our black Caddies. SUVs are great, but an actual trunk is needed to conceal a body, even if it’s a live one. The Caddies are also lower to the ground and take sharp turns better if you need the speed. Moon’s vehicles are modified with kick-ass engines and bulletproof glass. I tend to drive the car that fits my mood. Every so often it’s the Bugatti. It’s flashy and draws attention, which means I can’t have nefarious plans like I do now. Maybe I’ll take Celina for a nighttime desert ride in the Bugatti.